100 Best Workout Songs of 2012

As you have probably already figured out, a good playlist can be the difference between a so-so workout and an amazing one. Something about the drum beats and the song’s climax can really get our adrenaline pumping and push us harder than we’ve ever pushed. What songs really pumped you up this past year and pushed you the extra mile? I surveyed my friends, family, the internet, and added in a few of my favorites for Coach Calorie’s 100 Best Workout Songs of 2012. Let us know what you think!

Disclaimer: Some song lyrics are NSFW!

Popular Music

These are the songs that you probably hear on the radio or tv quite a bit, but just because they’re popular don’t count them out for some adrenaline in your earphones.

Indie – Electronic – Lesser Known

This is my “hipster” playlist, the off-the-radar type stuff that you probably haven’t heard but should. These beats are killer for workouts. (Thanks to my extremely cool and much younger brothers-in-law for their contributions to this list)

I’m more into metal (like Iron Maiden…not that screamy crap), so this list doesn’t do much for me. But you’re right–great music makes a HUGE difference in how I work out. I think I spend more money on new work out music than on anything else. lol

Metal all the way \m/ !! And old school power metal from the 80’s. Not into the teeny bopper crap. Music is a huge part of my day (hubby is a musician) especiallly when I work out, Makes it go by super quick and gets me excited.

I do both weights and HIIT (including jogging). For me, I like to have a mixture of upbeat music for when I lift and more easy going music when I do the jogging part of my HIIT. So my ipod has a mixture.

One group that Iove to listen to (which includes both types) is Nickelback. Oh and some Smashmouth songs are pretty good as well. But probably my favorite artist is Rihanna. She totally rocks.

Couldn’t agree more about Rihanne…I don’t generally listen to her or feel strongly about her either away the rest of the time but danm she is good to work out to! Disturbia, Please don’t stop the music just to name 2. Always gets me pumped 🙂

Also some Kanye from My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy album and a bit of Eminem never goes astray

Jim, my husband loves to run to slower beats, he says to keep his heartbeat down. Rihanna had some great songs from the past few years that I wanted to add but I was trying to keep the list from 2012 only. I couldn’t leave off “Where Have You Been” though!

Have been using Podrunner (mixes based on bpm) and Groovelectic (good for yard work & other low-cardio work). Every week DJ Steve has something new, mixing new music. Tends toward rave, but keeps me focused interval weightlifting.http://www.djsteveboy.com/mixes.html

I don’t know a single song on that list.!! How about compiling a list for us OLDIES (53 years old) of songs from our ‘youth’ that mean something to us. Now that would get my feet pounding the pavement!!

Black Eyed Peas… Let’s get retarded … this song will kick your butt on the elliptical 🙂 Brickhouse by The Commodores… Dancing on the Ceiling by Lionel Ritchie…Bad by Michael Jackson…Born to be wild … gonna have to think on this one 🙂

I agree with Nadine, although I know a bunch of the songs… nothing like Madonna, Bon Jovi, Meatloaf, ABBA, Johnny Cash, Motley Crue and Billy Idol seasoned with a bit of Poison to keep things varied and upbeat.

oops, this will date me but mine has Bad Company, Def Leopard, KISS, Nazareth, Motley Crue, AC/DC, Blue Oyster Cult, Grand Funk Railroad, Led Zeppelin, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Guess Who, etc… The newest stuff I have on my list is KORN from the early 2000’s. Now that’s all good music. Wakes me up during 5 a.m. workouts before work.